No deal between McGwire and the Dodgers is official, but McGwire will decline the Cardinals’ offer of a contract extension.

Mark McGwire was very successful as the St. Louis Cardinals' hitting coach the past three seasons. (AP Photo)

McGwire lives in Orange County, Calif., so a job with the Dodgers would allow him to be closer to his family.

To the surprise of many, McGwire was named Cardinals hitting coach following the 2009 season. Then-manager Tony La Russa had managed McGwire during his playing days with the Oakland A’s and Cardinals. Also to the surprise of many, McGwire has had solid results in his role as hitting coach. In his three years on the job, St. Louis is tied for first in the NL in runs scored, is first in batting average and is third in OPS.

McGwire, 49, played 16 seasons in the majors, hitting .263 with 583 homers and 1,414 RBIs. His career was tainted when he admitted to steroids use after his retirement.